Patenting – An Overview for New Inventors

If you want your idea to be turned into a full-fledged invention, you must get it protected by patenting, at least to the ‘patent pending’ status.

If you start promoting or advertising your idea without patenting it, there are chances it may be poached and infringed.

And more, if you approach any business without your idea patent, they may not consider what you’ve imagined and invented.

Without having the patent pending status, your idea is nothing but just an idea.

When does an idea become an invention?

Once an idea is patented, it becomes an invention. In actual fact, this isn’t always clear-cut and several may require external advice.

Do I have to discuss my invention idea with anyone?

Of course, you should. When you discuss your idea with your near and dear ones, you know whether or not your idea is patent-worthy.

By discussing your idea with your friends and family members, you also know if there is already an identical invention anywhere in the world. At the same time, you also know if your idea has ample commercial potential to warrant the cost of patenting, and lastly, for the patents preparation themselves.

How can I safely talk about my ideas without the danger of losing them?

While there are two best ways to secure an invention idea, due to complexities, high cost and danger or risks involved in it, most of the new inventors choose to hire affordable and secure way out.

That is; instead of hiring the service of a reputable patent attorney, they approach professionals who deal with invention promotion.

However, both the ways have their pros and cons. While you think of getting your invention patented, it is important to insist on and get signed a Confidentiality Agreement.

This is a legally binding document, which demands a person or company to keep your confidence in matters that are related to your invention

What is a Confidentiality Agreement?

The Confidentiality Agreement (or Non-Disclosure Agreement) legally binds both the parties; the inventor or a delegate of the inventor or a person or entity (like a business) to whom the confidential information is imparted.

When signed, this form of agreement cannot be used for promoting and publicizing the invention.

If any dispute arises between both the parties, the agreement is honored by all courts given that the content and working of the agreement is legally acceptable.

When is an invention patent-worthy?

Two main aspects that make an invention patentable include: first, the invention must be new, novel, unique, non-obvious, and second, it must have a potential market where it can be promoted and marketed.

Following the Patent Procedure

Once an inventor has obtained patent for his/her invention, whether in terms of a Utility Patent or a Provisional Patent Application, it’s highly recommended to promote it as much as possible so it can stand out among the large body of currently valid patented inventions.